A bit of IKEA inspiration.

Lenskog Anna Belfrage  Photographer: Ragnar Ómarsson

Use regular acrylic paint for glass and porcelain to create a splash effect on the  enamelled steel vase, set by placing in an oven.  (Follow manufacturer instructions)

Lenskog Anna Belfrage, Photo: Ragnar Ómarsson

The traditional solid iron bed is making its way back into bedrooms with this update version from Ikea.

Pella Hedeby Photographer: Sara Medina Lind

The new Dance Hyttan lamp lends itself well to hang several in the group for a poetic eye-catcher when the light is reflected in the glass.

Having a family gathering  over the summer? why not personalise each table setting with a photo card. 

Helena North 

How to Help Your Digestion.

If you read by blog on  a regular basis, then you will know that I am a huge fan of IKEA, and the Life at Home section on the Swedish website, I'm always inspired by the styling and simple DIY tips that they post, and today is no exception.  I heard that sitting at a table that has been  nicely set out, even to eat just a simple meal is actually good for your digestion, and it doesn't have to be posh or elaborate, take simple white china, and add a table cloth and napkin, all from IKEA, styled with a DIY napkin ring made from off cuts of leather strapping, that you can buy on Ebay, and finish with a flower. Perfect.

Give a set of draws a quick update.

Before 

 After.

On my last trip to IKEA, I bought a pack of six SÄTTA handles in black simply because they were so cheap, £2.50 of six handles can't be bad!  And as luck would have it, they were a perfect fit for a couple of sets of drawers in my office/spare room,  I didn't really like the silver handles much before and the black ones made for the perfect update. 

More of my IKEA buys.

Photography and styling Samantha Stansbridge

All Photography and styling Samantha Stansbridge

Armed with a few more flip top jars, bought on my recent trip to IKEA,  I've been busy  decanting up my muesli and granola dust.   Granola dust, by the way, can also be used for making great pancakes.
Maybe I'll make some over the weekend....

Large KOREN flip top jar IKEA, smaller one De Gruchy Jersey. White bowl Maxwell Williams from the White basics range. 

The Weekend In Photographs

We arrived in St. Malo on Friday at 11.00 am but didn't make it out of the harbour until much later that day,   Long story short, my daughter was transporting snakes to be rehomed in France, but  a mix-up with the paperwork meant that the French customs decided to hold us until 4.00pm!  The Jersey end had given us  incorrect documents for entering France with snakes, and the French didn't like it, so after  few phone calls to and from Jersey, a fine of 280.00 Euros, and a photo shoot of said snakes with what seemed to be the entire  French customs department, we finally got on our way at around 4.00 pm!  

We arrived at IKEA just after 5.00pm which seemed to be a really great time to shop because it was virtually empty and I have never known Ikea to be that quiet!  Perfect for taking  a few photos on my phone, for inspiration later. 

This sofa is now on my wish list, it's actually very comfy, I like the traditional feel of it but with an updated edge to it.

This photo collection caught my eye, something I might try out at home.

Images taken on Samsung Mini 3 Styling IKEA

I also managed to get most of the items on my shopping list, with a couple of exceptions, but all in all, I am pretty pleased with my little IKEA bundle of goodies that I bought, and totally enjoyed browsing around the room sets getting ideas and inspiration.